1856:12:29 J. Webster to GW

Thank you dear Grace for so willingly aiding me in forwarding the parcel. I agree with you that the Railway will be the better way to save time, and the enclosed is to pay the carriage and the hire of the hackney carriage to carry it there. They will of course take care of such a large parcel & not crush it unnecessarily. I have dated the parcel as you will perceive the 1^st of Jany as that is the very earliest day you can possibly receive it, if it has the good fortune to be forwarded to Mr Blackwood on Wednesday. [A]t all events it will tell that that is the date they are supposed to receive it which will do as well.

I regret the departure of Mrs Fergusson, and hope she will soon be replaced by one equally agreeable to you as an inmate. May I ask your terms for a boarder such as she was? As your sister prefers the kitchen, she is probably a good cook! Which you will find very convenient!

Take care of cold this severe weather. Wrap up well. What part of the Town is Montague Street situated? do you and Does Ellen (formerly Nelly) Gray – tell her I enquire for her, & that I well remember her liking on when they were making the scones – a sort of cake very thin and I then though very nice – Goodbye my dear Cousin Grace[?] yours affectionately

J Webster

I wish you much sincerely a happy new year.